New Mazda CX-3 stretches class limits

The CX-3 ($20,840, including destination) is a driver’s car. Its engaging dynamics and outstanding efficiency push the limits of the subcompact crossover class.

I was tempted to launch this piece with the less-is-more trope. After all, the all-new Mazda CX-3 essentially defines the term. It’s small, lightweight and fundamental in execution. It offers a single engine/transmission combination and features a refreshingly straightforward hierarchy of trim levels and options packages.

The CX-3 ($20,840, including destination) is a driver’s car. Its engaging dynamics and outstanding efficiency push the limits of the subcompact crossover class. Zesty and curvaceous exterior styling sidesteps overstatement and cliche. Cabin design is exuberant and youthful, though the prevailing aesthetics are mature ones; comfort, ergonomics and attention to detail.

The front seats are supportive and comfortable. Back and thigh bolsters snug occupants into place during fast cornering. This is a small car, though, and even by class standards the back seats and cargo area are small.

The CX-3 is the fifth Mazda to fully employ Mazda’s SkyActiv efficiency suite. Under the SkyActiv rubric, engineers isolate and excise unnecessary weight. They look to minimize friction-caused energy loss and fashion drivetrains of tightly integrated and complementary components.

The six-speed automatic is engineered to match the specific characteristics of the CX-3’s 146-horsepower 2.0-liter four. The transmission is calibrated to keep the engine in the heart of its power band and makes smooth, quick shifts. In Sport mode, it executes the necessary downshifts as one slows for a corner.

The electrically assisted steering system has a light feel in city traffic and in parking lots, but firms up at speed. In corners, its action is progressive and communicative.

The base S trim is packed with goodies both expected and not. Standard gear includes push-button start, a 7-inch color touchscreen and Mazda Connect, one of the safest and most user-friendly infotainment control systems available. Besides Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, It offers audio text-message delivery and reply; voice command; and Aha/Stitcher/Pandora/HD radio connectivity.

Mazda Connect’s most valuable feature is its Commander control knob. The console-mounted rotary knob simplifies the process of menu- and screen-selection and reduces the time a driver’s eyes must leave the road.

Mazda’s predictive all-wheel-drive system ($1,250) is available on every trim level. It assimilates real-time data from various sources — including the onboard thermometer (the system takes ambient temperature into account) and the antilock braking and stability control systems — and maximizes traction by shunting power between the front and rear axles.

One Comment

dennis / January 9, 2016

read your 4 Runner article (1/9/2016). I recently purchased a 2016 sr5 premium. I have owned only gmc full sized PUs sine the early 90’s. I like this toyoto . It has, as you mentioned a simplistic dash layout .I appreciate the knobs vs buttons etc. my only issue to date is this: when I commute from sunset hill to pines road and vise versa the vehicle tends to wander . by that I mean it rides the ruts and if it drifts a bit it” lurches” out of the ruts. I have not experienced this with any of my trucks. I assume it is due to a slightly narrow wheelbase or possibly the crappy tires factories put on the new vehicles. usually I replace the factory tires when I buy a new truck. I discussed this with a friend who drives Trundas for work and he experiences the same thing on the same section. During ice conditions it can be very unnerving. other than an unwanted lane change/death I like it